CNN 5 Things MN Sues Trump Admin, Trump’s New Tariff, Powell Probe Reaction and more
Jan 12, 2026
Minnesota takes legal action against the Trump administration over immigration policies. President Trump escalates tensions with Iran, issuing threats alongside new tariffs. The DOJ's investigation into Jerome Powell raises concerns among Republicans about Federal Reserve independence. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado plans a significant visit to the White House. In a troubling case, an arson suspect is linked to a Mississippi synagogue fire, driven by anti-Jewish motivations, prompting discussions about rising hate crimes.
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State Pushback On Federal Immigration Sweep
- Minnesota argues Operation Metro Surge unlawfully commandeers local authority under the 10th Amendment.
- Attorney General Keith Ellison calls the deployment a federal invasion of the Twin Cities that has done serious harm.
Trump Mixes Threats With Diplomacy On Iran
- President Trump threatened military action if Iran keeps using lethal force against protesters and announced a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran.
- The White House says diplomatic channels remain open between Iran's foreign minister and U.S. envoy Steve Whitcoff.
DOJ Probe Raises Fed Independence Concerns
- The DOJ probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell centers on a costly Fed headquarters renovation and alleged falsehoods to Congress.
- Powell and some Republicans warn the investigation could threaten Fed independence and complicate his potential replacement.
